We stumbled upon gadgets, bikes, people and more on the Friday before the 30th edition of Challenge Roth. That also means that we only have 2 days to go before the big event.

The German Telekom brand partnered with SAS Technologies on this tracking device that will be tested on 30 athletes - most of whom will be Pros. This 95mm x 45mm x 18mm device sends position data every 30 seconds via the mobile Telekom network to a Telekom cloud. This allows folks to track athletes all day, but currently only on the bike and the run. There is also an emergency call button on the device, that can be used with one push to get technical assistance, or 2 pushes will alert emergency vehicles. The device also can track drafting, and would be likely a very good tool. This year it will be tested behind the curtains, but if all works out, it might be featured with all athletes next year. The next generation is already in the works and it will be smaller and work also during the swim. What holds the current device back from the swim is the signal coming past the wetsuit and the water above the athlete.

Earlier in the day the canal was busy with swimmers testing out the race course.

As it got closer to the 9am hour folks started to get out, and a large German police boat made sure that no one swam past the allocated time.

The athletes came in waves out of the water.

Aussie age grouper Dan MacPherson is stoked to be racing here, and he said he feels good and ready.

Michelle Vesterby has a very distinctive vehicle and we bumped into her when she left the morning swim.

Rachel Joyce, Michelle Vesterby and Claus from Challenge Denmark enjoy coffee and sweets at Bäckerei Schmidt after the swim. The strawberry cake however is mine.

Eneko Llanos signed autographs in the BH booth.

That allowed us to snag his bike for a few pics. We will have a complete gallery soon.

Mirinda Carfrae bumped into Belinda Granger in the expo and both were immediately hounded by paparazzi.

We also cornered Jodie Swallow's Scott Plasma 5 for an upcoming gallery.

You better like neon color these days as it is tough to find running shoes without it. That however is fine with me.

This fruit and juice booth is very popular here at Challenge Roth.

So many color choices for these Xtenex make it almost difficult to decide.

The reflection in the lenses of 2012 Ironman World Champion Pete Jacobs show some of the other Pros of this Pro panel session.

Defending champion Dirk Bockel with his wife Alicia after that panel session.

German favorite Timo Bracht hopes to capture that top of the podium spot.

Athletes started to line up at 5:40 for the 6pm carbo loading event.

Rudy Garcia Tolson will race here in Roth too.

Lots of food including items you won't find at other carbo loading meals.